HouseZero under construction at Harvard University

By Jen Cole


Harvard is striving for excellence in the green building industry, as they just announced that their next project will be retrofitting a 1940s stick-built house that will be used for their headquarters. The new house is projected to use no HVAC system, no electric light use during the day, 100% ventilation, almost zero energy, and produce zero carbon emissions, including embodied energy of materials. Before now, this level of efficiency was only being achieved in new construction projects, making this HouseZero Project the first-of-its-kind.

Inefficient existing buildings are one of the nation's biggest energy problems and Harvard is setting a precedent on the possibilities in a retrofit that can be replicated almost anywhere. HouseZero not only reduces the demand for energy but also saves money for property owners by significantly lowering operating costs.

The plan is to replace the current HVAC system with thermal mass, and a ground source heat pump for peak (extreme) conditions. A solar vent will instigate buoyancy-driven ventilation and triple-glazed windows will employ natural cross ventilation through a manual and automated system that monitors for temperature, humidity, and air quality. Much like a layered approach to clothing, the house is meant to adjust itself seasonally, and even daily, to reach thermal comfort targets. Construction for this project will take about 7-9 months; check back in at the end of the year for new photos and updates.

 

Read the full story: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/house-on-harvard-campus-undergoes-extreme-retrofit-300462869.html?tc=eml_cleartime 

Study Explores LEED Building Adaptation for Passivhaus Certification

By USGBCMA Communications

Can a building designed to meet LEED certification be adapted to meets Passivhaus standards?

Recent research released by FXFOWLE into how New York City buildings can meet energy efficient Passivhaus standards featured contributions from two Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) staff members. Senior Principal Sean O’Brien and Staff II Brienna Rust were coauthors on “Feasibility Study to Implement the Passivhaus Standard on Tall Residential Buildings,” which explored the impact of adapting a building designed to meet LEED certification to one that meets Passivhaus. 

Passivhaus is a design concept developed in Germany that uses architectural solutions like stringent air tightness and minimized thermal bridging to create buildings that consume very little energy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority sponsored this project to explore the viability of this approach for energy efficiency in the local construction industry. FXFOWLE led the study, and several other engineering and consulting firms contributed to the project. 

The researchers compared a base case high-rise, mixed-use building in Queens, NY, seeking LEED v.3 Silver Certification with an adapted design to meet Passivhaus requirements. “The study examines the impacts of achieving the standard from architectural, enclosure detailing, mechanical, structural, constructability, resiliency, zoning, and code perspectives,” wrote the authors. They found a 47% reduction in primary energy consumption from the base model and an 85% reduction in heating demand, offset by a 2.4% initial cost increase and a 24-year payback. 

“The findings of this study suggest that it is viable to design large high-rise residential buildings in New York City to meet the Passivhaus standard” with minimal aesthetic changes, the authors conclude. 

Sean will present the results of this study as part of an expert panel discussion on 29 April at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 in Orlando, FL. 

 

Embedding Sustainable Design into Design Process

By USGBC Communications

USGBC MA Chapter Sponsor, Levi + Wong Design Associates set an example for how to incorporate sustainable design into all aspects of design practice. Over half of the professional staff is LEED accredited, and as a whole, the firm believes sustainability is not an “added value” to otherwise conventional projects, but rather a thought process embedded in every step of project design.


From site design to envelope analysis to daylighting studies to material selection, Levi + Wong Design projects embrace a holistic approach to systems and materials.  The firm offers clients a proactive, research-based, budget-conscious approach aimed at delivering cost-effective, maintenance-friendly, healthy buildings.  

The firm considers short term performance metrics such as daylight harvesting, total energy consumption and water use, as well as the long term impacts of potential future expansion and infrastructure replacement. To Levi + Wong Design, sustainability is really just another term for good, common sense design, employing materials and systems that minimize waste, maximize performance and deliver the best value over the life of the project. 

 


An example of this holistic approach is exemplified by The D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy in Lowell, MA. The 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is designed for a single site experience that supports the needs of patients across the continuum of care.

To promote healing and wellness, natural light permeates through windows strategically located in corridors, patient rooms and therapy spaces drawing light into interior spaces. The large windows views in the rehabilitation gym create a connection with the local neighborhood and exterior courtyards allow patients access to outdoors relaxation and community re-entry training experiences. A clean modern look was created using simple forms, detailing, and proportion, and was complimented with natural materials such as wood and stone to create spaces that are warm and comfortable.

The Green Engineer Expands Expertise with BREEAM USA

By USGBC Communications

The Green Engineer, Inc. is a sustainable design consulting firm specializing in solutions to design, build, and operate buildings with improved energy efficiency and reduced impact on the environment. Founded in 2005 by Chris Schaffner, PE, LEED Fellow, the firm has a technical staff of fifteen LEED-Accredited Professionals. The expert team brings to the table experience and perspective from a variety of backgrounds including engineering, architecture, construction, planning, development, and public policy. We practice Integrative Design and see sustainability as a core goal shared by design team members and stakeholders. Our practice uses tools such as energy and daylight modeling and life-cycle assessment of materials to analyze performance and inform our decision-making. We also consult for non-LEED clients, including affordable housing and other non-profit developers. To date, we have managed or been involved in more than 122 LEED certified projects in New England and around the country.


At left, Principals Sarah Michelman, Chris Schaffner, and Erik Ruoff

The Green Engineer Principal, Chris Schaffner, and Project Manager, Ryan Montoni, are now officially licensed as BREEAM USA In-Use Assessors, and The Green Engineer is now a BREEAM USA In-Use Assessor Organization.

BREEAM USA In-Use is a comprehensive and holistic environmental assessment method for assessing and rating the sustainability of existing, commercial assets located within the United States. BREEAM In-Use is applicable to any existing commercial building – regardless of its size or condition. There are no prerequisites or other barriers to using the BREEAM In-Use standard.

 

Sustainable Building: Interrelationships Between Building Components and Systems

By USGBC Communications

Keith Construction is a service business that focuses their expertise in housing reconstruction and new development, through a collaborative building effort. The firm's projects fall inside four market segments defined as:

  • historic preservation;
  • sustainable building;
  • rental housing; and
  • new development. 

The firm takes pride in construction that is 'built to last' and endeavors to understand the interrelationships different building components and systems have on the whole building. More than building green or using the most environmental friendly products, this concept works to create the most value from construction through design collaboration, product availability and cost, and understanding owner needs. This results in a more efficient, cost-effective building, with lower operating costs and significantly less impact on the surrounding environment. 


One example is Olympia Oaks in Amherst, MA that is a newly constructed, affordable, energy efficient neighborhood. The project includes 2- and 3-bedroom townhouses, common green, gardening area and playground. The neighborhood was designed to include energy efficiency, affordability, accessibility, and create a sense of community connection. The community is surrounded by beautiful town conservation woodlands and nature trails.

 

Bringing LEED Platinum Projects to the Seaport

By USGBCMA Communications


Boston's Seaport District has experienced a burst of development in recent years, which has brought over 5,000 new jobs to the area and catalyzed over $1 billion in investment since 2010. One of the first major buildings to break ground and begin transforming the Seaport skyline was 101 Seaport, a $126 million, 440,000-square foot, 17-story glass office tower. On board for this massive construction project was RDK Engineers, a full-service engineering and design firm and USGBC MA Chapter Sponsor.

RDK provides a variety of engineering services in energy efficiency and sustainable design for almost every building type. The firm has helped shaped sustainable development in Boston's Seaport District by helping 101 Seaport achieve LEED Platinum, the highest LEED rating level possible. Over 20% of RDK staff members are LEED Accredited, and whether or not RDK's clients choose to pursue LEED Certification, the firm continually assesses projects to improve efficiency in project MEP/FP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing/fire protection) systems. 101 Seaport is the first completed office building in Seaport Square, a 23-acre master-planned area in the city’s fastest-growing neighborhood. 

101 Seaport Boulevard achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Owner Union Investment Real Estate GmbH oversaw a range of strategies and solutions put in place, from heat island reduction and stormwater quantity control to water-efficient landscaping and a green cleaning policy. One of the major differentiators of energy efficiency at 101 Seaport Boulevard is the mechanical system designed to cool the building through use of an active chilled beam, a cutting-edge system that is the first of its kind in Boston.

For former Mayor Thomas Menino, 101 Seaport served as a significant step forward for the Seaport and for the City of Boston. At the groundbreaking, then-Mayor Menino celebrated the project announcing, “This project secures the neighborhood’s reputation as a hub for entrepreneurs and forward-thinking companies to expand, and for our residents to enjoy. 101 Seaport, and its anchor tenant in PwC, represents the leadership in innovation, sustainability, and business that have become synonymous with the City of Boston and our business community.”

Massachusetts Has Over 100,000 Employed in Clean Energy

By Alexander Landa


At this point, I'm sure anyone reading this knows that the state of Massachusetts is one of the greenest there is. With massive amounts of LEED certified buildings and ongoing sustainability endeavors, this state has made a positive impact on the built environment. What may be news is that the state has over 100,000 individuals employed in clean energy jobs.

Read the full report by MassCEC here.

The Commonwealth recently added 6300 jobs, bringing the total to over 100,000. Clean energy is now at $11.8 billion industry in Mass., making that 2.5% of all gross state product, and 2.9% of the state's overall workforce.

“The Commonwealth’s highly educated and well-trained workforce makes it an attractive place for innovative industries, including clean energy companies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts’ recently passed comprehensive energy diversification legislation will continue to build on the recent success of the clean energy industry by increasing opportunities for growth and advancement.”

This is a massive achievement for our wonderful state. Part of Massachusett's initiative is to get to 100% renewable energy, which can work alongside our mission for a net-positive future. This report is proof that so many organizations and industries have the same mission in Mass. – a more sustainable, healthier future, through any means necessary.

Project Mapping Workshop with Sustainable Performance Institute December 14

By USGBC MA


For firms pursuing the AIA 2030 Commitment, your project delivery methodology can make or break success. How does a team measure its effectiveness? Does good collaboration yield better results? Is IP more than a kick-off charrette and “one-hit wonder”? Can IP be achieved in individual project teams if the overall firm culture and methodology isn’t aligned with it? 

 

Register here!
December 14, 2016
7pm-10pm

USGBC’s LEED program now recognizes the importance of integrated process with the new v4 IP credit, so more teams are paying attention to this, but will a LEED credit (again) cause more hoop-jumping without actually providing more value? 70% of a project's performance and impacts are decided in the first 10% of the process, so it's critical to get it right. 

This workshop is a practical and applied look at how your firm can truly capture the value provided by institutionalizing IP – and getting the LEED credit follows naturally! Successfully implementing IP requires a clear, shared understanding of what integration means in your firm culture, how individuals in different roles participate and alignment with consultants around your project delivery objectives. Critical efforts happen beyond the project focus and require change management to help everyone feel comfortable. 

This is a 100% interactive workshop where you will be guided through an exercise to deconstruct and remap your firms process, identifying along the way what organizational triggers need to be addressed so that integrative design is actually the bedrock of project management and not an elusive miracle achieved only with the most progressive clients.

You will gain strategies to help you truly embed IP into daily project management practices and participants leave with practical, actionable steps that will help you implement qualitative changes in your project delivery methodology the next day.

More about the speaker, Barbra Batshalom, Executive Director of the Sustainable Performance Institute:

Barbra Batshalom is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Sustainable Performance Institute and past founder and president of the USGBC Affiliate in Massachusetts. She is an industry leader whose vision drives the organization's programs to transform the market from public policy to professional practice.

Her work focuses on the intersection of systems, processes and culture. With a diverse background of fine arts, social psychology and 20 years in architecture and sustainability consulting, she brings a variety of skills to her work and a unique perspective engaging the human dynamics of decision-making and creative collaboration to technical work. She's an educator, public speaker and change agent that works with a wide range of governmental, institutional and private sector organizations to help them institutionalize sustainability and achieve measurable improvements in performance and profitability.

SPI's green firm Certification is the first industry program to provide a framework for evaluating the capability of design and construction firms to deliver a consistent, high quality sustainability service and was adopted by HUD in 2011. SPI's Green Firm Boot Camp workshop program has been delivered to hundreds of firms nation-wide to help raise the bar on professional practice in the industry. Barbra teaches sustainable real estate development in Brandeis University’s International Business School. She has served on numerous boards, task forces and committees to help develop public and corporate policies for sustainability and teaches courses on change management for sustainability for professionals around the world.

 

Massachusetts and California Share Top Energy Efficiency Ranking

By Alexander Landa, Outreach and Communications Manager


On September 28th, 2016, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released its 2016 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard yesterday, with the good news that Massachusetts is still ranking #1, and tied with California.

In the press release from Acadia, MA's score – its highest to date – increased in thanks to adopting the most recent IECC 2016 and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 as part of the state building code. All of these factors contribute to a lower energy cost for new homes and businesses.

“Massachusetts is on the winning path, but there is still plenty of work to do to make the most of this low-cost, clean resource,” said Amy Boyd, Senior Attorney at Acadia Center. “We should celebrate our success, but then return to the hard work that it takes to accelerate strategies to reach the homes and businesses that still need help lowering their energy costs,” Boyd said. “Making smart use of all the data that new technologies can provide utility companies will reduce costs, make processes more transparent, and keep us on track to stay on top of the ACEEE rankings,” Boyd concluded.

The state of Massachusetts is incredibly devoted to energy efficiency. The state's current three-year plan is expected to bring $8.1 billion in economic benefits, among other positive impacts.

You can read the rest of the press release here.

Facade Engineering Newsletter: How Is a Stadium Like a Bicycle?

By Ritchie Lafaille, Office Fellow

Thornton Tomasetti provided detailed design for the façade and structure of a new 52,500-seat stadium that will be home to the A.S. Roma football team. The Stadio della Roma’s modern design includes echoes of the Colosseum.

The new stadium’s fabric membrane roof was inspired by the velarium, the ancient Roman amphitheater’s awning system. The Stadio della Roma’s roof is based on the principle of a bicycle wheel. A compression ring on the outer edge is connected by radial cable trusses to two sets (upper and lower) of tension rings that surround the inner opening. The “bicycle wheel” solution is much lighter and more elegant than a traditional steel-truss system.


The ultramodern glass and metal façade of the Stadio della Roma will be wrapped in a floating screen of travertine quarried from the same region as the stone of its ancient predecessor. Each piece of stone, arranged to suggest the arches of the Colosseum, will be backed by carbon-fiber mesh and supported via an innovative aluminum fixing system that transfers the loads to a floating steel structure of piers and lintels.

Privately funded by the club, the Stadio della Roma is scheduled to be ready for the 2019 season.

 

Are you curious about what other projects Thornton Tomasetti is working on? Visit their website or read about them in our blog!